Intentional Action: Rebuilding Society with Empathy and Kindness

 

Summary

In today's message, I shared a personal reflection on the importance of intentional action in dismantling systemic issues, particularly racism. I recounted a conversation with a friend who admitted that while he had never actively contributed to racism, he also hadn't taken steps to dismantle it. This admission sparked a broader reflection on the current state of our society, where many systems are being deconstructed. While I don't agree with all methods of protest, I recognize the value in peaceful demonstrations that aim to build rather than destroy.

We are in a unique position to rebuild our foundations with tools like kindness, empathy, and righteous anger. My father often says that ignoring foundational issues only leads to temporary fixes, like painting over cracks. True change requires a complete overhaul, much like repairing a faulty foundation. This is a time for the church and individuals to step up and make intentional choices that can transform our world. I believe in the power of the church and God's work through us to effect change.

I encourage everyone to use their voice and resources to contribute to this rebuilding process. Understanding each other's stories and experiences is crucial, and empathy is the key to this understanding. By putting ourselves in others' shoes, we can better grasp their perspectives and work together towards meaningful change. I am grateful for those who are already taking steps towards positive change and urge everyone to continue this journey. Together, we can make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentional Action Against Injustice: It's not enough to simply avoid contributing to systemic issues like racism; we must actively work to dismantle them. This requires intentional action and a commitment to change. [00:37]

2. The Power of Peaceful Protest: While not all methods of protest are constructive, peaceful demonstrations can effectively communicate righteous anger and lead to positive change. It's important to focus on building rather than destroying. [01:37]

3. Rebuilding with Empathy and Kindness: As systems are deconstructed, we have the opportunity to rebuild with tools like kindness, empathy, and righteous anger. These tools can help create a more just and compassionate society. [01:50]

4. The Importance of a Strong Foundation: Ignoring foundational issues only leads to temporary fixes. True change requires a complete overhaul, much like repairing a faulty foundation. This is a time for the church and individuals to step up and make intentional choices that can transform our world. [02:29]

5. Empathy as a Tool for Understanding: Empathy is crucial for understanding others' perspectives and experiences. By putting ourselves in others' shoes, we can better grasp their perspectives and work together towards meaningful change. [04:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Diversity in Friendships
- [00:21] - A Friend's Admission
- [00:37] - Intentional Action Against Racism
- [00:52] - Deconstruction of Systems
- [01:10] - Peaceful Protest and Righteous Anger
- [01:24] - Building with Kindness and Empathy
- [01:50] - Opportunity to Rebuild
- [02:08] - The Importance of a Strong Foundation
- [02:29] - The Necessity of Deconstruction
- [02:41] - The Church's Role in Change
- [03:09] - Making Intentional Choices
- [03:39] - The Power of the Church
- [03:53] - Sharing Stories and Experiences
- [04:06] - Empathy as a Tool for Understanding
- [04:39] - Encouragement for Positive Change

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
2. Romans 12:18 - "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
3. Ephesians 4:2-3 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

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Observation Questions:
1. What did the pastor's friend admit about his actions towards racism, and how did this admission impact the pastor's reflection on systemic issues? [00:37]
2. How does the pastor describe the current state of societal systems, and what opportunities does he see in this situation? [01:50]
3. What tools does the pastor suggest we use to rebuild our foundations, and why are they important? [02:08]
4. How does the pastor view the role of the church and individuals in effecting change in the world? [02:55]

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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Micah 6:8 relate to the pastor's call for intentional action against systemic issues like racism? What does it mean to "act justly" in this context?
2. In what ways can peaceful protest, as mentioned in Romans 12:18, serve as a tool for communicating righteous anger and building rather than destroying? [01:37]
3. How might Ephesians 4:2-3 guide individuals in using empathy and kindness to understand others' perspectives and experiences? [04:23]
4. What does the pastor mean by "rebuilding with empathy and kindness," and how does this align with the biblical call to love and unity? [01:50]

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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or participated in a peaceful protest. How did it align with the principles of living at peace with everyone, as stated in Romans 12:18? [01:37]
2. Consider the systems in your community or workplace. What intentional actions can you take to address foundational issues and promote justice and mercy, as encouraged in Micah 6:8? [00:37]
3. Identify a relationship in your life where empathy and kindness could lead to a better understanding. What specific steps can you take this week to put yourself in the other person's shoes? [04:23]
4. The pastor emphasizes the importance of sharing stories and experiences. How can you create opportunities to listen to and learn from others' stories in your community? [03:53]
5. Think about a systemic issue you feel passionate about. What resources or actions can you contribute to help deconstruct and rebuild a more just foundation? [02:29]
6. How can you involve your church or small group in making intentional choices that align with God's work to transform the world? What role can you play in this collective effort? [02:55]
7. Reflect on the concept of righteous anger. How can you channel this emotion into constructive actions that align with biblical teachings on justice and peace? [01:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Intentional Action Against Injustice
In a world where systemic issues like racism persist, it is not enough to simply refrain from contributing to the problem. True change requires intentional action and a commitment to dismantling these injustices. This involves recognizing the ways in which we may unconsciously support these systems and taking deliberate steps to counteract them. By actively engaging in efforts to dismantle systemic racism, we can contribute to a more equitable society. This commitment to change is not just a personal journey but a collective responsibility that calls for courage and perseverance. [00:37]

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one specific action you can take this week to actively oppose systemic injustice in your community. How can you commit to this action consistently?


Day 2: The Power of Peaceful Protest
Peaceful protest is a powerful tool for communicating righteous anger and advocating for change. While not all methods of protest are constructive, those that focus on building rather than destroying can lead to meaningful progress. Peaceful demonstrations serve as a platform for voices that demand justice and equality, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues with integrity and compassion. By participating in or supporting peaceful protests, individuals can contribute to a movement that seeks to create a more just and inclusive society. [01:37]

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a cause you are passionate about. How can you support or participate in peaceful efforts to advocate for change in this area?


Day 3: Rebuilding with Empathy and Kindness
As systems are deconstructed, there is a unique opportunity to rebuild with tools like kindness, empathy, and righteous anger. These tools are essential for creating a more just and compassionate society. Empathy allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity. Kindness, on the other hand, is a powerful force that can heal divisions and promote unity. By embracing these values, individuals and communities can work together to build a foundation that supports justice and equality for all. [01:50]

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." (1 Peter 3:8, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you could have shown more empathy or kindness. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?


Day 4: The Importance of a Strong Foundation
Ignoring foundational issues only leads to temporary fixes. True change requires a complete overhaul, much like repairing a faulty foundation. This is a time for individuals and communities to step up and make intentional choices that can transform our world. By addressing the root causes of systemic issues, we can create lasting change that benefits everyone. This process involves examining our values, beliefs, and actions to ensure they align with the principles of justice and equality. [02:29]

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you have been applying temporary fixes. What steps can you take to address the root cause and build a stronger foundation?


Day 5: Empathy as a Tool for Understanding
Empathy is crucial for understanding others' perspectives and experiences. By putting ourselves in others' shoes, we can better grasp their perspectives and work together towards meaningful change. This understanding fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, allowing us to address systemic issues with compassion and insight. Empathy is not just about feeling for others but actively seeking to understand their experiences and challenges. [04:23]

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone whose perspective you struggle to understand. How can you actively seek to empathize with their experiences and viewpoints this week?

Quotes


I also have never in my life done anything intentionally to tear it down, he said I've never helped deconstructed, so basically what I'm saying and not helping deconstruct it is that it's okay that it's there and I was like yo first of all you're a beast for it for being able to even formulate a thought admit that thought. [00:39:18]

I don't agree necessarily with all the ways that it's being done I don't agree with with hurting people to make a point or stealing or all they're destroying things I don't agree with that but I have also seen I've been you know just up watching the news non-stop and I've seen peaceful moments I see moments where actually there's there's righteous anger but it's being done and communicated in a in a.m. and in a way that's not destructive. [00:77:72]

We have the opportunity to rebuild in a beautiful way we have the opportunity to use the tools of kindness and empathy and and a tool as righteous righteous anger compassion for each other we have the tools to rebuild my dad always says it this way he says all right now I'm standing in my house and if there was a Foundation issue there would always be something is showing up in the way of a crack in the walls or our floors that are that are unlevel. [00:113:52]

If you don't fix the foundation you are constantly for the rest of your life and have to be painting over cracks and fixing flooring and doing doing patchwork when what needs to happen is a deconstruction and a reformulating a rebuilding of a foundation you know a lot of times deconstruction takes a lot of work and some people are like no I don't want to mess with it. [00:140:74]

I believe in the church with all my heart I believe in the hearts of people like my friends I was just talking about who are like no I haven't I haven't intentionally done things to defunct a system that I don't like but I'm gonna do it right now I believe that there are enough of us that that love each other and have those voices that we could actually make decisions right now that will change the face of our country. [00:172:54]

I believe in the church I believe in God's power working through us and I would encourage you today and I'm looking up ways that I can be helpful in presenting resources or knowing our knowing more just making sure that my friends know the reality of of my story there's things things that I faced I want to know the reality of theirs I want to understand things what we can do to help each other. [00:221:68]

We can do in these moments to deconstruct and rebuild again using the tools of kindness compassion humility righteous anger empathy empathy to me is the the biggest tool of putting yourself in somebody else's shoes is the first step to understanding where they are coming from and walking and you I believe that with all my heart so I want to encourage you. [00:243:61]

I want to say thank you to everybody on either side whatever that means everybody who has been been taking steps to taking legitimate steps taking legitimate steps that are actually going to make positive change I want to thank you and encourage you and we can do this we can do with we can do this I know we can let's go. [00:270:96]

I love the diversity in my friendships and I love that I get to sit down and have real conversations that we I mean the two of my closest best friends were sitting around having a conversation and and one of the one of the guys said he's a white guy he said you know I've never intentionally done anything to build racism or to build that agenda. [00:12:99]

I believe that we are being deconstructed whether whether you like it or not systems are being deconstructed in this moment and the beauty of that is is that we have the opportunity to rebuild in a beautiful way we have the opportunity to use the tools of kindness and empathy and and a tool as righteous righteous anger compassion for each other. [00:106:20]

I believe that if we make those choices and if you understand that your voice matters your voice matters as it relates to to rebuilding the foundation of our country that it can actually happen I believe in the church I believe in God's power working through us and I would encourage you today and I'm looking up ways that I can be helpful. [00:204:36]

Empathy to me is the the biggest tool of putting yourself in somebody else's shoes is the first step to understanding where they are coming from and walking and you I believe that with all my heart so I want to encourage you I want to say thank you to everybody on either side whatever that means everybody who has been been taking steps to taking legitimate steps. [00:252:40]

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Transcript
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